Re: 4Nations a must win situation to save international RL? : Fri Oct 24, 2014 6:37 am
Him wrote:
Agree with most of that except I don't think it's irrelevant to improve 2nd tier nations. I think it's vital. Part of the reason international RL isn't as important as it should be is that there are only 3 top tier teams. In Union England could get beaten by Australia, NZ, SA, Wales, France, Ireland and on a really good/bad day Scotland or even Italy.
In League there's only Australia and NZ. So we only get to play a competitive team when the NRL can be bothered to. If France & Wales were competitive we could play them every year and that would raise both attendances and media interest significantly, almost regardless of whether we can beat Australia or not.
International rugby Union proves that the standard isn't that important, it's competitive games against rival nations that captures people's and the medias attention.
In League there's only Australia and NZ. So we only get to play a competitive team when the NRL can be bothered to. If France & Wales were competitive we could play them every year and that would raise both attendances and media interest significantly, almost regardless of whether we can beat Australia or not.
International rugby Union proves that the standard isn't that important, it's competitive games against rival nations that captures people's and the medias attention.
I agree that improving the 2nd tier nations has to be the priority, if we can get the likes of France, Wales, Scotland, PNG, Samoa & Fiji to give the big 3 a game we instantly have a much better World Cup and 4 Nations tournaments.
I think the move to a more regular schedule of tournaments is a big step in the right direction though, the European nations at least seem to be playing most of the teams they fielded at the World Cup and the prize of winning a 4 Nations place gives something to play for.
As for the 4Nations, I think the injuries to England & Australia, and New Zealand being at home for their games with England and the Final if they get there should make it a very level playing field. Especially if Samoa pull off a shock against one of the big 3.
